Ubuntu 22.04 LTS System Requirements: Minimum & Recommended Specs, Installation Guide

1. Introduction

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is the latest Long Term Support (LTS) release in the Ubuntu series, one of the most widely used Linux distributions worldwide. LTS stands for “Long Term Support,” which guarantees five years of official support, making it a popular choice for users and organizations that prioritize stability and reliability.

When people hear “Linux,” many imagine something difficult or overly technical. However, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is known for its user-friendly design and intuitive interface, making it suitable for everyone from beginners to professional engineers.
In recent years, interest has grown due to increased remote work, development environment setup, and repurposing older computers.

This article is intended for those who are considering installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or wondering whether it will run smoothly on their own PC. We explain recommended system specifications and important points to know before installation in detail.
We also cover how to choose specifications based on usage, installation preparation and procedures, and frequently asked questions, making this guide useful even for first-time Ubuntu users.

We begin by addressing basic questions such as “What is an LTS release?” and then organize the key benefits of choosing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. Please use this article as a reference.

2. Minimum System Requirements for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

To install Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, your computer must meet certain hardware requirements. First, let’s take a closer look at the official minimum system requirements.

2.1 Overview of Minimum Specifications

The minimum requirements for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS represent the baseline at which the OS can be installed and boot successfully. They do not guarantee comfortable performance but rather indicate the minimum level at which the system will run. Below are the official minimum specifications.

  • CPU: 2 GHz dual-core processor or higher
  • Memory (RAM): 4 GB or more
  • Storage: At least 25 GB of free disk space
  • Graphics: VGA compatible, 1024×768 resolution or higher
  • Installation media: USB port or DVD drive
  • Internet connection: Not required for installation, but recommended for updates and additional software

2.2 Performance Expectations at Minimum Requirements

With the above specifications, Ubuntu can handle basic office tasks and light web browsing. However, performance may degrade when running multiple applications simultaneously or opening many browser tabs. Modern websites and applications tend to consume more resources, so systems operating at the minimum threshold may feel noticeably slower.

2.3 Points to Consider When Using Minimum-Spec Hardware

  • Slower system updates: Limited CPU and memory resources may cause slowdowns during system updates or software installation.
  • Limited multimedia performance: Modest graphics capabilities make video playback, image editing, and 3D rendering more challenging.
  • Storage limitations: After installation, updates and additional software can quickly consume disk space. Securing more than the minimum 25 GB is strongly recommended.

2.4 Summary

The “minimum requirements” for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS should be understood as the lowest possible threshold for installation. For users who want a smoother daily experience or plan to use Ubuntu seriously, we recommend referring to the “recommended specifications” described in the next section.

3. Recommended Specifications and Their Rationale

Meeting only the minimum requirements is often insufficient for a comfortable Ubuntu 22.04 LTS experience. Especially if you plan to run multiple applications daily or use the system over a long period, higher specifications help create a stress-free working environment. This section explains practical recommended specifications and the reasons behind them.

3.1 Recommended Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Core i3 (4th generation or later) or equivalent
    ※ Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 3 and above provide even more headroom
  • Memory (RAM): 8 GB or more
    ※ 16 GB recommended for development work or heavy multitasking
  • Storage: SSD with at least 50 GB of free space
    ※ SSDs are strongly recommended over HDDs for significantly faster boot and load times
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics, AMD Radeon, or equivalent
    ※ Full HD (1920×1080) resolution support is desirable
  • Internet connection: Stable broadband environment

3.2 Benefits of Meeting Recommended Specifications

■ Smooth Multitasking

With 8 GB or more of RAM, you can open multiple browser tabs and run office software or email clients simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.

■ Faster Boot and Launch Times with SSDs

Using an SSD dramatically improves OS boot times and application startup speed. Compared to HDDs, SSDs offer several times faster performance and are now considered standard.

■ Improved Media and Graphics Performance

With adequate graphics performance, tasks such as video playback and image editing become smoother. A Full HD display also provides more workspace, enhancing the overall desktop experience.

■ Long-Term Stability

Systems that barely meet minimum requirements may struggle to keep up with future updates and software evolution. Meeting recommended specifications ensures a stable experience throughout the five-year support period of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

3.3 Choose Specifications Based on Your Use Case

Depending on how you use your PC, higher specifications may be worth considering.
For example, developers using virtual machines or Docker benefit from 16 GB or more of RAM and a more powerful CPU. On the other hand, users focused on web browsing and email will find the recommended specifications more than sufficient.

3.4 Summary

If comfort is a priority, aim for recommended rather than minimum specifications. Hardware selection plays a critical role, especially for long-term, multi-purpose use of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.